The province of British Columbia will provide $500,000 from the Mass Timber Demonstration Program toward the Kelowna International Airport, CYLW, Air Terminal Building Expansion.
“This initiative will help the airport and region grow, while also aligning with a key goal of the StrongerBC Economic Plan to grow a clean economy that works for all British Columbians,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation.
The airport will receive $500,000 from the province to help with costs associated with the use of mass timber, as well as the creation of a digital construction twin, advanced fire modelling and life-cycle assessment of building materials. CYLW explains the use of prefabricated mass-timber panels will reduce construction time and will result in less construction traffic to the site. The airport, noted as Canada’s 10th largest, will remain open and fully operational throughout the nearly 8,000-square-metre expansion.
Building off the project at YLW and the success of the first two intakes of the Mass Timber Demonstration Program, the province is also announcing an additional $2 million to open a third intake, which begins immediately.
“With the increases in both aircraft movement and passenger traffic, this terminal expansion enables the Kelowna International Airport to continue offering the highest level of service,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director, Kelowna International Airport.
In spring 2022, YLW will began enabling works for the ATB expansion. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2023, with phase 1 complete in 2026.
Phase 1 includes: expanded Departures Lounge to improve connections to aircraft gates and increase food and beverage options; expanded security screening area to reduce the time it takes to clear security; new direct access to south gates for departing and arriving passengers; and improved wayfinding.
Phase 2 includes: Expanded terminal building for relocated domestic arrivals area with new baggage carousels; repurposed existing arrivals area to accommodate larger area for international arrivals and CBSA; further expansion of the Departures Lounge to increase capacity; and relocated rental car, shuttle and tourism booths.
